"I’m not the type of decorator who knew her calling from the time she began experimenting with crayons," confesses Paloma Contreras in the introduction to her debut book. But it just may be that roundabout arrival at her profession that makes the designer's story so interesting. In Dream, Design, Live (Abrams, $35), Contreras, onetime Spanish teacher, successful blogger, and, now, working designer, explores the design process through the lens of travel, inspiration, and personal style. As such, the tome is both an instructional lesson and a personal story, a great read for the design professional and enthusiast alike.

Contreras divides the book into three sections, whose names give it its title. In Dream, she focuses on inspiration; in Design, she gets down to the more practical elements of the process; in Live, she tackles the elements often left up to a homeowner after the designer leaves: entertaining, accessorizing, hosting.

An interior by Contreras featured in the book.

Photo: Max Burkhalter

A Contreras-designed kitchen.

Photo: Max Burkhalter

As a designer who first made her way into the industry as a blogger, and continues to interview designers, share sources, and spotlight trends on La Dolce Vita, Contreras is uniquely positioned to write about the design process, which she does with an equal balance of savoir faire and approachability. An illustrated graphic provides an easy index to various flowers; a section on floor plans makes note of professional programs like AutoCAD and SketchUp but gives advice on layout in layman's terms.

Another benefit of Contreras's editorial background? Her passion for interviewing fellow creatives. Scattered throughout Dream, Design, Live are tidbits of advice and personal anecdotes from the likes of Alexa Hampton, Kelly Wearstler, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, and more. It's both a fitting nod to Contreras's background and a reminder of the inspiration that even the best in the business take from one another.

Dream, Design, Live is out September 4 and available for preorder now through Amazon.

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